Recommendations for Cheap Video Cam

Well I never thought I'd be into underwater video, but I've been have some fun with the video setting on my Canon D10 and am looking to get something better. Any suggestions for a somewhat cheap and good video camera?

Here's some footage I just shot with the D10. Just some shaky vid of reef sharks in the Bahamas, but kinda neat:

Thanks,

Louis

Any suggestions for a somewhat cheap and good video camera?

 

Thanks,

Louis

I've put up some info and videos from two different small video cameras here: http://www.scubaguam.com/index.htm. Hope this helps.

EPIC X and the GATES housing

Dive safe

DeanB

Louis, I'm not sure what your budget is but if you look for 2nd hand equipment, you'll find some good deals with HDV cameras. DV Tape should be around for another 5-10 years, as the rest of the world catches up with the tapeless media.

If your budget can't wing it, compacts like the Canon G12 have decent 1080/720p capture. Even GoPro has decent quality. All depends on how much you have to spend and your expectations.

Also just ignore the people who don't take your queries seriously.

Also just ignore the people who don't take your queries seriously.

Dive safe

DeanB

 

Dive safe

 

DeanB

And don't forget that GPS is not reliable and some individuals need to have a better sense of humor!!

Any suggestions for a somewhat cheap and good video camera?

A couple of other options:

In addition to the JVC linked in Post #2, Ikelite also sells a similar $260 housing for the Flip Mino, Kodak, Panasonic and Sanyo variations of the vertical camcorder. http://www.ikelite.com/web_pages/videoone.html Cisco just announced they're discontinuing production of the entire Flip line so those may be really cheap soon.

For under $1000 - a Canon camcorder - models: VIXIA HF M32, VIXIA HF M31, VIXIA HF M30 and VIXIA HF M300 - in their WP-V2 housing. Street price on the housing is under $400. It's a limited function housing but all the basics are there. My buddy shoots an MF200/WP-V1 and gets good results. Even though it has an underwater mode, he's buying a red filter this year. The housing has a standard sized fitting on the port so it or wet lenses are options.

The cost-reduced (flat port only and no flip filter) Amphibico Turtle starts at around $1200. Add one of the supported Sony cameras and you should be in the $1600-1700 ballpark. http://www.amphibico.com/rec/turtle-underw...eo-housing.html It has many of the features - back LCD monitor, electronic controls, 330' depth rating - of their better EVO model. When paired with some (all?) of the better Sony models, the Turtle does Manual White Balance - you want this if possible.

Competition for the Turtle is probably the TopDawg at $1500 - http://www.topdawgvideo.com/housings.htm But with a shallower depth rating, no MWB, controls on the housing body - IMO you get more from Amphibico - esp. if you add the flip-down red filter and hydrophone options - I believe it's still cheaper also.

Get the Orange one...

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone. Yeah, I'm not looking to spend over a grand on a video set up yet. I'll check out some of those compacts, but I'm thinking I should just save up and get a bit better cam.

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone. Yeah, I'm not looking to spend over a grand on a video set up yet. I'll check out some of those compacts, but I'm thinking I should just save up and get a bit better cam.

Totally agree. In the end you'll be happy you did. As someone pointed out a wide angle lens (>75 degrees) is a great help with video. Good luck.